Purchase of property for library moves forward

Fond du Lac City Council voted 6-0 in support of a resolution to amend its budget for the purchase of a building at 52 Sheboygan St. for expansion of library operations.(Photo: Doug Raflik/Action Reporter Media)Buy Photo

Fond du Lac City Council took the first step this week to purchase a vacant building that will expand the Fond du Lac Public Library’s footprint downtown.

In a 6-0 vote, Council approved a resolution amending the 2015 budget by $190,000 to purchase a small building at 52 Sheboygan St. that most recently housed Consumer Prescription. The sum includes $130,000 to $135,000 for the building; about $70,000 for remodeling, including installation of a bathroom; and a $20,000 contingency.

Total project cost is estimated around $270,000, with the Redevelopment Authority considering commitment of $80,000 in a Community Development Block Grant at its next meeting.

“It’s not just an acquisition, but really a much larger project,” said Community Development Director Dyann Benson, who said the building will need plumbing and electrical work, furnishings, surface finishes and information technology infrastructure.

Roof repairs were made, but the inside was stripped to the wall studs by the current owner, according to city staff. The building has about 1,700 square feet of usable space.

If the purchase is formally approved at the March 25 Council meeting, work would begin to prepare the space for The BookCellar used book operations. The BookCellar would move from the basement of the main library and free space for the Idea Studio. The move would also allow the library to enhance the children’s area, as well as its teacher’s collection. Plans for creation of a teen center on the first floor would begin.

“The acquisition will enable the library to further expand from being a place where people check out books to an interactive community center,” Benson said in a March 4 memo to City Manager Joe Moore.

Former city councilman William Turner spoke against the purchase, stating that the $190,000 could be better spent.

“To spend $190,000 to sell used books and to use as book storage — I gotta believe there has to be a better option,” he said, noting that the money could be used to offset property taxes, pay down debt or as “seed money” for construction of a new senior center.

Library Board vice president Mel Kolstad, who supports the purchase, spoke of the library’s benefit to the community. She said the changes and enhancements made possible by the purchase could appeal to a “whole new clientele.”

The proposed acquisition will be presented March 16 to the Plan Commission for review and its recommendation to Council.